Instant Pot® Swedish Meatballs

Pasta and meatballs, Swedish-style! It’s a luscious, creamy and hearty dish full of warming spices and brightened up with a side of lingonberry preserves and a garnish of chopped fresh dill. While we never tire of this comforting dish, this version is extra special. The Instant Pot®, as it turns out, is a magical pasta pot. Cooking the noodles under pressure doesn’t just turn them silken, it also permeates them with rich, saucy flavor—and that’s only half of what makes this recipe so special. Meatballs cooked in the Instant Pot® have a chance to brown, thanks to the SAUTE function, and they still turn out juicy and tender since they get finished under pressure. Once we discovered this pot’s knack for knocking out 5-star spaghetti and meatballs, we’ve been working through all our favorite versions of this classic combo, which is why we’re so excited about this recipe. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!MORE+LESS-

On 6-quart Instant Pot®, select SAUTE; adjust to normal. Heat oil in insert until very hot. Add meatballs; cook 4 to 5 minutes without moving, until meatballs release easily from bottom of insert. Turn; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until browned on second side. Turn one more time; cook 2 to 3 minutes on third side, until browned. Select CANCEL. Using slotted spoon or tongs, transfer meatballs to plate.

Gently stir whipping cream and cream cheese into mixture 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted and egg noodles are completely separated. Noodles will appear to be stuck together but will separate while stirring. Let stand 10 minutes. Garnish with dill; serve with preserves.

Expert Tips

When browning the meatballs, it’s important to allow them to cook without stirring them at all. If you try to turn them too early, they will stick to the insert and break apart. To see if they’re ready to turn, use your tongs to gently but firmly lift them off the surface of the insert. If they release, they’re ready to turn.

The sauce will thicken slightly as it stands after cooking.

For added richness, try serving this dish garnished with a dollop of sour cream.

Adding fresh dill as a garnish gives the dish a fresh and very Scandinavian touch—don’t miss out.

Lingonberry preserves are a sweet-tart condiment often used in both savory and sweet Scandinavian dishes. It can be found in the jelly-and-jam section of the grocery store. Cranberry sauce can be substituted for the lingonberry preserves, if desired.